Pop star Lady Gaga is speaking out on Twitter against the anti-LGBT violence in Russia and the country’s ban on gay activism.Activists around the world have been pressing the international community to help stop Russia’s anti-LGBT laws that prohibit the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations.” Under the law, promoting gay pride or speeches, kissing or holding hands in public, or even being suspected of being gay could mean jail time for both citizens and tourists.In messages posted to her feed Monday, Lady Gaga offered her support to gay and lesbian Russians.
Sending bravery to LGBTs in Russia. The rise in government abuse is archaic. Hosing teenagers with pepper spray? Beatings? Mother Russia?— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 5, 2013
The Russian government is criminal. Oppression will be met with revolution. Russian LGBTs you are not alone. We will fight for your freedom.— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 5, 2013
Why didn’t you arrest me when you had the chance, Russia? Because you didn’t want answer to the world?— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) August 5, 2013
A member of St Petersburg’s government who wrote local anti-gay laws wants Russia to charge Lady Gaga and Madonna with “promoting sodomy, lesbianism, bisexuality and transgenderism among minors” for speaking out in favor of gay rights in their concerts last year.
Sarah Muller
John Nichols